Features – Page 4 – AAPS District News

News Ticker

[ August 21, 2026 ] Every day is a victory: Skyline sophomore finds freedom in the water High School News
[ August 20, 2026 ] Skyline senior Adrienne Schadler makes waves at National Championships High School News
[ August 14, 2026 ] AAPS welcomes English learners at annual Back to School Fair Features
[ August 10, 2026 ] Tom Jensen, Director of Public Policy Polling Latest news
[ August 3, 2026 ] Free Academic Games Camp, student-founded and student-led, returns for third year Elementary News

Kim Jaster, Slauson Middle School PLTW teacher and Athletic Director

February 16, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Slauson Middle School PLTW teacher and Athletic Director Kim Jaster was raised in Trenton, Michigan, and began her professional career immediately after high school with Electronic Data Systems/General Motors. After 13 years in the business […]

Megan Smulders, Allen Elementary School Social Worker

February 11, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Allen Elementary School Social Worker Megan Smulders grew up in Columbus, Ohio, attended Columbus School for Girls, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Ohio University before completing her Master of Social Work […]

District-wide NAAPID celebrations emphasized the importance of family involvement in student success

February 10, 2026 AAPS News Editor

National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) was celebrated throughout the Ann Arbor Public Schools district on Monday, with each school hosting opportunities for families to engage in their children’s education. The day was founded […]

Young chefs enjoy new Rec & Ed cooking class just in time for the Super Bowl

February 6, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Ann Arbor Rec & Ed‘s new “Adult/Child Cooking: Touchdown Treats” class was a huge success last night as families teamed up in the Pioneer High School kitchen to create the ultimate Super Bowl spread: Butterscotch […]

During National School Counseling Week, AAPS honors School Counselors as the unsung orchestrators of student success

February 2, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Longtime AAPS counselor reflects on the work of this crucial staff By Jo Mathis/AAPS District News As National School Counseling Week arrives, Ann Arbor Public Schools celebrates the vital work of counselors who serve as […]

Freda Shatara, Abbot Elementary first grade teacher

February 2, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Freda Shatara grew up in a home in Livonia where learning was always encouraged and celebrated. Reading played a central role in her childhood—her mother read to her daily, and before long, she was eagerly […]

Pioneer sophomore Natasza Dudek—the fastest female high school runner in the country—adds yet another honor to an incredible record

January 29, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Natasza is the 2025-26 Gatorade National Cross Country Player of the Year—the first scholastic female in history to double at nationals For Pioneer sophomore Natasza Dudek, what’s another national honor on top of so many […]

Pioneer students dig up new ways of seeing Hamlet

January 28, 2026 AAPS News Editor

An unconventional staging features five different actors playing the title role at Pioneer on Feb. 6, 7 & 8 Hamlet may be the most produced play of all time, but Pioneer High School students think […]

Skyline High School hosts Restorative Justice Practices Symposium, celebrating 12 years of student-led peacemaking

January 21, 2026 AAPS News Editor

SkySquad continues its work as a recognized model for school-based restorative justice Skyline High School’s SkySquad program brought together students, educators, and community members on Friday for a Restorative Justice Practices Symposium, marking more than […]

Jonathan Smigell, Huron High School art teacher

January 20, 2026 AAPS News Editor

Photos by Jo Mathis/AAPS District News Jonathan Smigell grew up in Plymouth, Michigan. After graduating from Canton High School, he attended Wayne State University, where he earned a BFA in Painting and Photography. He later […]